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Less than five years ago, VCs were the only game in town for
backing a startup (short of a rich relative). This is no longer
the case. Crowdfunding
platforms, organized "super angels" and quasi incubator-funding
programs like Y Combinator and Techstars have created viable
alternatives to spending a year pitching your dream to VC after
VC.

I find it poetic that my industry, which has long touted the fact
that we invest in disruptive companies, is dealing with a bit of
disruption ourselves. Our incessant nagging of our portfolio
companies to out-innovate is being turned back on us. And for
you, dear founder, this means VCs are battling to find and fund
you. Below, I've outlined two ways we're going about it.

The talent agency. Andreessen Horowitz was the first to really
break the traditional VC mold in 2009. The two Netscape execs
modeled their VC after the storied Hollywood talent firm Creative
Artists Agency, adding partners with expertise in marketing and
public relations to create a full-service operation that can
assist a startup in every aspect of its business. Fast-forward
five years, and nearly every blue-chip VC has adopted the
Andreessen Horowitz model.

Why you win: A big Series
A round is nice, but having the manpower, connections and
expertise to set up your company properly right from the start is
better.

The venture partnership. Traditional VC firms are like
traditional law firms: Associates or principals put their time in
with portfolio companies and eventually make partner, at which
point they go to more cocktail parties and assume an increased
sales and oversight role.

Today's firms have fewer partners and more hired guns (usually
called venture partners or entrepreneurs-in-residence). These
folks are recruited to scout, assist in diligence, get paired
with and sometimes even start new companies--but eventually they
leave to pursue bigger and better things.

Why you win: The best firms will always attract the best
entrepreneurs as a soft landing pad between gigs. The promise of
a future position with a VC firm only sweetens the original
funding deal.

Good companies are always in demand, but never as much as they
are right now, with VC firms in a virtual
arms race to get them. Take advantage of this environment to get
the best possible deal and team you can.